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Thursday, December 4, 2014

Meek Giants Under the Sea: Whale Shark Encounter in Oslob, Cebu

Whale sharks are the largest living
fish on the planet. As the largest fish, it can reach a length of 40 feet (12
meters) or more, and have an enormous menu from which to choose. Whale sharks
have very large mouths and as filter feeders, they feed mainly on plankton.
They scoop these tiny plants and animals up, along with any small fish that
happen to be around, with their colossal gaping mouths while swimming close to
the water’s surface.

Whale sharks are found in tropical
and warm oceans and lives in the open sea, with a lifespan of about 70 years. Since
they mature late, they are not producing offspring until 30+ years of age, and
give birth to relatively few offspring during their lifetime.

In recent years, the whale shark feeding,
watching and swimming in Oslob, Cebu has been increasing both in popularity and
in infamy due to its contentious nature; lauded by tourists but condemned by
environmentalists. Whale shark watching started last September 2011 and it
became popular all over the world when the news hit in the internet last
November 2011.

The interaction with the whale shark
is held from 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM each day but visibility is best from 7:00 – 9:00
AM that’s why it is highly recommended to place it on top of your itinerary.
The area for whale shark watching was no more than 20 meters from the shore, a
swimmable distance.

TARIFF:
(Note: This comes with a life vest, mask and snorkel)

P
500 each for local tourists

P
1, 500 each for foreign tourists

P
300 each for those who would stay only on the boats

However, before the encounter we
were given a brief orientation of the do’s and don’ts in whale shark
interaction. Here’s the list:

No
feeding of whale sharks by unauthorized personnel.

Do
not touch, ride or chase a whale shark. In case the whale shark will go towards
you, DON’T PANIC, just let them pass.

Do
not restrict normal movement or behavior of the shark.

Do
not use flash photography.

Do
not create a splash when entering the water.

Do
not apply sunscreen if you are going to swim with the whale sharks.

Viewing
and swimming is limited to 30 – 45 minutes ONLY.

Maintain
a minimum distance of 5 meters from the head and 6 meters from the tail.

ONLY
paddle boats are allowed.

How to Get There:

Via
Cebu City:

Go to the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, which is 30
minutes away from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport then hop on an Oslob
bound bus and asked to be dropped at Brgy. Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu.

Via
Dumaguete City:

From Dumaguete City take a multicab
going to Sibulan Seaport to catch a ferry or pumpboat across the Tañon Strait
which separates Negros Oriental from Cebu. Once already at the Lilo-an,
Santander, Cebu Seaport you may take a bus, a multicab or a tricycle depending
on your preference going to Brgy. Tan-awan, Oslob.

Travel Tips:

Go
there on a weekday and be early because there are fewer people and there’s more
time for you and the whale shark.

Bring
your own snorkel. (For hygienic purposes)

Wear
something decent swimming attire or a rashguard. (It’s too embarrassing to walk
along the shore and at the briefing center and remember sunblock is not
allowed, so it’s best to protect your skin.